For entrepreneurs, networking can mean the difference between landing that crucial pitch or missing out on a game-changing investor relationship. But what if you could turn every handshake, every introduction, into a memorable opportunity to nurture and convert that connection? That’s where my app, SelfTact, a personal CRM for “smart selfies,” comes in. It’s designed to make your connections unforgettable and to drive follow-ups that build your business.
Here’s how SelfTact helped me secure a show appearance, engage a potential investor, and what other founders can learn to level up their networking.
Step 1: Making Connections Memorable – Taking the Smart Selfie 📸
At a recent networking event, I met Sherveen Mashayekhia the show host of The Feedback Loop I wanted to connect with. I could have done the usual: a quick introduction, an exchange of business cards, and a polite goodbye. But instead, I decided to make the moment stick by taking a “Smart Selfie” with him through SelfTact (see above).
SelfTact’s smart selfie feature goes beyond just snapping a photo; it’s about capturing the memory and context of that encounter in a way that sticks. My app reminded me a few days later to reach out, and when I did, that selfie had done its job—he instantly remembered our interaction. I had established a genuine connection, made memorable by a shared moment that my app stored and organized, setting the stage for a follow-up.
Step 2: Strategic Follow-Up – Turning the Memory into a Pitch Opportunity 📧
Weeks later, I decided to reach out to pitch my app. Thanks to SelfTact, I could refer back to our initial encounter, with all the details at hand. When I followed up, I mentioned the selfie we had taken. It wasn’t just another “cold pitch”—it was a warm or warmer connection, brought to life again by a photo we both remembered.
The host responded quickly, and within hours, I had a confirmed spot to talk about SelfTact on his show, Feedback Loop. Not only did SelfTact help me get the pitch, but it also put me in a position to showcase the product in action during the show!
Step 3: Leveraging Visibility for Investor Interest – Turning Connections into Capital 💼
On the day of filming, SelfTact worked its magic again. I met Marty Ringlein, a general partner at Adventure Fund, who was also on the set with Sherveen, and we took a smart selfie together, creating yet another memorable moment. Later, I posted that smart selfie to LinkedIn and tagged him in the caption of his post and his response…well you can read it below. Boom!
Within a few mins, he replied, “That selfie totally works mind emailing me the pitch deck to […] would love to get the full pitch!”. Woah. SelfTact had turned a chance encounter into an opportunity to pitch to an investor, simply by keeping our interaction fresh and memorable…and Smart!
SelfTact’s Extra Power: Automatic Reminders for Consistent Follow-Up 🔄
SelfTact takes the guesswork out of follow-up. After meeting someone, SelfTact automatically reminds me to reach out a few days later. For instance, five days after that encounter with Sherveen on set, I received a nudge from SelfTact to reach out to him for coffee. This gentle reminder keeps relationships active and moving forward without the pressure of memorizing each connection manually.
Additionally, SelfTact is rolling out features that make transferring contacts from events to other CRMs like HubSpot, Notion, Airtable, and Monday.com effortless. Soon, users will be able to export connections straight to their CRM systems, maximizing the impact of their networking before they even get back to the office.
Tips for Founders: How to Use Smart Selfies and Follow-Up to Build Your Network
- Capture the Moment Creatively: Take a Smart Selfie at networking events to create a memorable anchor for your interactions. SelfTact’s smart selfie feature captures both the image and details of your meeting, helping you stand out in follow-ups.
- Personalize Your Outreach: Reference the smart selfie and the context of your interaction in your follow-up. It makes your outreach feel warm and genuine, helping you cut through the noise.
- Stay Consistent with Automatic Reminders: Use SelfTact’s built-in reminders to keep your connections active. A timely follow-up keeps you top-of-mind without overwhelming you with manual tracking.
- Integrate with CRMs: SelfTact’s upcoming desktop version will allow seamless integration with popular CRM platforms like HubSpot, Airtable, and Monday.com. Export all event details and follow-ups directly to your CRM, making it easy to manage and nurture every new connection.
Networking Smart to Build Your Business
SelfTact transforms networking by making every connection memorable, timely, and actionable. Whether you’re aiming to land a show pitch, secure a coffee meeting with a potential investor, or grow your professional circle, SelfTact keeps you on top of each relationship with just the right amount of context, reminders, and follow-through.
For founders, networking doesn’t end after the first handshake. It’s about creating a connection that lives on through meaningful follow-up. So, take that smart selfie, stay on top of your connections, and let SelfTact help you turn interactions into opportunities to grow your business.
P.C. Amanda Sparso
